Authorities are searching for a suspect in the case of a 5-month-old puppy who was tied to the back of a truck and dragged for more than a mile along a Missouri interstate.

The male golden-colored pitbull, named Trooper, survived the ordeal after a team of veterinarians performed emergency surgeries to save his life.

"It’s shocking when an animal is abused to this extent," Missouri Humane Society spokeswoman Jean Jay told FoxNews.com. "We are following up on some leads and tips we've received in cooperation with law enforcement."

"The dog is well for what he's been through," she said. "He is remarkably calm and friendly."

On Nov. 21, the St. Louis City police responded to a call about a severely injured animal that had been tethered to the back of a truck and dragged along Highway 55.

When authorities arrived at the scene, the driver, who was visibly distraught, said he did not know the animal or understand how it became tied to his vehicle, Jay said. The man said he was alerted to the animal when another driver signaled to him and called 911.

Jay said the driver was parked in a residential neighborhood in south St. Louis before driving off, unaware the animal was tied in between his truck and an attached trailer.

Jay said the dog was fortunate in that he did not suffer internal injuries.

"There is a chance now we'll be able to save his front right leg," Jay said. "None have been amputated at this point."

The Missouri Humane Society is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for tying the animal to the truck.